Hidden Compartment Apparatus Sliding Holder Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toys and devices fail to effectively create the illusion of a disappearing object, which limits their ability to engage children's imagination and provide surprise elements.
Innovation Solution
A hidden compartment apparatus with a holder slide member and actuating means that automatically moves between positions, allowing a first object to appear to disappear and reappear in a second identical position, controlled by a computer control unit with user-operated controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hidden compartment apparatus uses a stationary single-position holder, then the structure is simple, but it cannot create the illusion of a disappearing object
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into multiple identical holder positions (first holder position, second holder position, etc.) that can be independently positioned. Each holder position contains an insert that can hold an object. The holder slide member separates these positions spatially, allowing one insert to be visible while another is hidden, enabling the disappearing object illusion without requiring a completely complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder slide member is made movable between different positions along the slider track. When actuated, it slides to bring different holder positions into alignment with the opening in the holder cover. This dynamic positioning allows the system to transition between showing different inserts, creating the illusion that objects are disappearing and reappearing, while maintaining relatively simple structural components.
2Extent of automation
If the holder slide member is manually operated, then the device is simple, but it cannot automatically create the disappearing object illusion
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes an actuator that can automatically move the holder slide member between positions without requiring manual intervention. The actuator may be controlled by a computer control unit that coordinates the timing and sequence of movements to create the disappearing object illusion. This automation enhances the magical effect for the user while the control system manages the complexity internally.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inserts are visible simultaneously, then the user can see all objects, but the disappearing object illusion cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions to control visibility. The holder slide member moves along a slider track that is positioned such that only one holder position aligns with the opening in the holder cover at any given time. This dimensional arrangement ensures that while multiple inserts exist on the holder, only one is visible to the user, creating the illusion that objects are disappearing when the holder slides to reveal a different insert.
Data Source
AI summary
A hidden compartment apparatus supporting an illusion that an object has disappeared from a first position of a holder slide member is provided. The hidden compartment apparatus includes a holder slide member that is slidably coupled to the bottom of a holder slide cover with a stationary opening, a plurality of inserts capable of holding objects placed in integral holder slider pockets, and actuating means. The actuating means being configured to move the holder slide member between a first position and a second position within the housing and positioning the integral transport slider pockets in the stationary opening to reveal one insert at a time based on user operated controls.